$430.00 USD

3 day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu

The 3-day Inca Trail is an unforgettable experience that takes adventurers through breathtaking landscapes and historical archaeological sites in the heart of the Andes. This tour is ideal for those who want to explore the region’s beauty and history, culminating in the majesty of Machu Picchu.

Star

Cuzco

End

Cuzco

Duration

3 Days / 2 nights

Languages

Spanish, English

Difficulty

Challenging

Comments

3 day Inca Trail Trek

Are you a hiking lover?

Would you like to do a 3-day Inca Trail tour and visit Machu Picchu in the afternoon? If so, this is your best option.

Enjoy a 3-day Trek along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This shorter yet comprehensive version allows you to explore the same route as the famous 4-day Inca Trail. Moreover, you will reach Machu Picchu on the third day and enjoy an enchanting sunrise.

This 3-day Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu is highly recommended for adventure lovers, couples, and families with children. It is ideal for those who do not have enough time to stay in Cusco.

Places you will visit

Highlights

Wiñay Wayna: Visit the impressive Inca ruins known as “Forever Young.” These well-preserved ruins showcase Inca architecture and provide a glimpse into the history of the civilization.
Inti Punku (Sun Gate): Hike to Inti Punku, the traditional entrance to Machu Picchu. Enjoy panoramic views of the ancient citadel, a rewarding end to your trek.
Machu Picchu: Explore the iconic archaeological site with expert guides, learning about its history and significance.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1

At 04:30 hrs: Transfer from Cusco to Ollantaytambo train station.
At 06:30 hrs: Departure by train from Ollantaytambo to Km 82.
At 08:30 hrs: Arrival at Km 82 and start of the trek.
At 12:00 hrs: Lunch at a scenic spot along the trail.
At 15:30 hrs: Arrival at the first campsite near Llactapata ruins.
At 18:30 hrs: Dinner and overnight stay at the campsite.

Day 2

At 06:00 hrs: Breakfast at the campsite.
At 07:00 hrs: Start the trek towards Wiñay Wayna.
At 12:00 hrs: Lunch at a scenic spot along the trail.
At 14:30 hrs: Arrival at Wiñay Wayna and exploration of the ruins.
At 17:30 hrs: Continue trek to the second campsite.
At 19:00 hrs: Dinner and overnight stay at the campsite.

Day 3

At 04:00 hrs: Breakfast and start of the final trek to Machu Picchu.
At 06:30 hrs: Arrival at Inti Punku (Sun Gate) for the first view of Machu Picchu.
At 08:00 hrs: Guided tour of Machu Picchu.
At 10:00 hrs: Free time to explore Machu Picchu or optional activities.
At 13:00 hrs: Bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch.
At 15:00 hrs: Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
At 18:00 hrs: Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
At 20:00 hrs: Arrival in Cusco.

3 day Inca Trail Trek: Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Kilometer 82 - Wayllabamba - Ayapata

Early Morning Transfer from Cusco:
Depart from Cusco at 05:00 am and travel to Ollantaytambo, a beautiful town in the Sacred Valley.

Train to Kilometer 82:
At around 07:00 am, board the train from Ollantaytambo to Kilometer 82, the starting point of the Inca Trail.

Begin the Inca Trail Trek:
Arrive at Kilometer 82 and start the trek. Enjoy stunning views of the Vilcanota River and the surrounding mountains.

Lunch at Wayllabamba:
By 12:00 pm, reach Wayllabamba, where you’ll have a picnic lunch surrounded by lush vegetation and Andean scenery.

Continue to Ayapata:
After lunch, trek towards Ayapata. Pass through scenic landscapes and small Inca ruins.

Arrive at Ayapata:
In the afternoon, arrive at the campsite in Ayapata. Set up camp, relax, and enjoy your evening.

Day 2: Ayapata - Runkurakay - Sayacmarca - Phuyupatamarca - Wiñay Wayna

Early Morning Departure:
Begin the day early, departing from Ayapata and heading towards the Runkurakay archaeological site.

Explore Runkurakay:
Arrive at Runkurakay and explore the well-preserved ruins. This site offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.

Trek to Sayacmarca:
Continue the trek to Sayacmarca, an impressive Inca site perched on a cliff. Learn about its historical significance from your guide.

Lunch at Phuyupatamarca:
Arrive at Phuyupatamarca around noon. Enjoy a packed lunch with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Continue to Wiñay Wayna:
In the afternoon, trek towards Wiñay Wayna. This site features beautiful terraces and ruins.

Arrive at Wiñay Wayna:
Set up camp at Wiñay Wayna and prepare for the final day of your trek. Enjoy the evening at this picturesque location.

Day 3: Wiñay Wayna - Inti Punku - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes - Cusco

Early Morning Departure:
Depart from Wiñay Wayna early in the morning to begin your final ascent towards Inti Punku (Sun Gate).

Arrive at Inti Punku:
Reach Inti Punku and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of Machu Picchu. This is the traditional entrance to the citadel.

Descend to Machu Picchu:
Continue your descent to Machu Picchu and embark on a guided tour of the archaeological site. Learn about its history and significance from your guide.

Lunch and Explore:
After the tour, have some free time to explore Machu Picchu on your own or participate in optional activities like hiking Machu Picchu Mountain.

Return to Aguas Calientes:
In the afternoon, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes. Relax, explore the town, and prepare for your return trip.

Train to Ollantaytambo:
Board the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo in the evening.

Transfer to Cusco:
From Ollantaytambo, transfer back to Cusco, where you’ll arrive late in the evening.

Inclusions

Hotel pick up and drop off included.
Private transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo.
Train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Km 104 and back to Cusco
Inca Trail permits and entrance fees to Machu Picchu
Guided tour of Machu Picchu
English-speaking guide
Bus tickets from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
Emergency oxygen bottle and first aid kit
Meals: 1 breakfast, 1 box lunch, 1 snack

What to Pack to Inca Trail Trek 3 Day

Original Passport: Your passport is essential, so make sure you have it ready.
Student Cards (if applicable): Students should bring their student cards for potential discounts.
Hiking/Trekking Backpack (Minimum 21 liters capacity): A reliable backpack is a must for your journey.
Hiking Poles with Rubber Tips: You can either bring your own or rent them from Inca Trail Specialist for added stability.
Trekking Clothing: Prepare suitable clothing including hiking shoes, waterproof pants, waterproof shorts, two shirts, a light sweater, a rain jacket, and comfortable hotel attire. Lightweight, moisture-wicking materials are recommended for comfort.
Nightwear for Aguas Calientes: Pack a clean set of clothes for your evening stay in Aguas Calientes.
Anti-Blister Gel: Keep your feet comfortable and blister-free during the trek.
Digital Camera (Optional) with Extra Memory (2-4 Gb): Capture memories along the way.
Sunglasses with UV Protection: Protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.
Sun Block SPF 60 (UVA-UVB) Waterproof: Choose a sporty, waterproof sunblock for outdoor adventures.
Waterproof Insect Repellent Lotion: Ensure it’s lotion-based, not spray, for effective protection.
Flexible Plastic Water Bottle: Opt for an environmentally friendly and easy-to-carry water bottle for hydration.

3 day Inca Trail Trek: Prices

Government regulations:

The Peruvian government regulates the number of visitors and permit fees for the Inca Trail, including the wages of porters and guides. Tour operators must adhere to these regulations to ensure a fair and equitable distribution of permits and fees. Consequently, the prices for the 3-day Inca Trail trek are set to fairly cover the costs of operating the trek, including the necessary permits, guide services, and porter wages.

How much is the 3 day Inca Trail?

PRICES: INCA TRAIL 3 DAY

ADULTS: 750 US dollars per person
STUDENTS: 700 US dollars per person

How To Apply For Student Pricing

The student price is available to students from all over the world, as long as they meet the requirements established by the Peruvian government. This discount is applicable when purchasing Machu Picchu tickets from the Peruvian government.

To qualify for the student price, you must meet the following requirements:

Your student ID must be an original ID issued by your university, made of PVC material.
The student ID must have the following information printed on it:
- University information.
- Student’s name.
- Student’s photo.
- The student ID must have a valid expiration date printed on it, which is valid for one year only. For example, if you visit Machu Picchu in 2024, the expiration date on your ID should be 2024 or 2024. If you visit Machu Picchu in 2024, the maximum expiration date allowed is 2024.
The student discount is only available for students under 25 years of age.
The International Student Identification Card (ISIC) is not valid for the discount, even if it meets the above requirements.
The only valid document for the student price is the original student ID that meets the requirements established by the Peruvian government. Other documents such as certifications or virtual cards are not accepted as proof of student status.
To apply for the student price, please send a photo of both sides of your student ID to info@incatrailspecialist.com when booking the tour. If you send it later, you will not be eligible for the student discount.

Additional Option You Can Add To Your Inca Trail Tour

- HUAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN: 65 USD dollars.
- MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN: 65 USD dollars.
- PAIR OF TREKKING POLES: 10 USD dollars
- UPGRADE TO VISTADOME TRAIN: 65 USD dollars

How To Book The 3 day Inca Trail With Inca Trail Specialist?

To secure your spot on the 3-day Inca Trail with INCATRAILSPECIALIST, follow these simple steps:

Click the “BOOK NOW” Button: Visit our booking platform and click on the “BOOK NOW” button to start the reservation process.
Select Your Departure Date: Choose the preferred date for your 3-day Inca Trail trek.
Provide Personal Information: Fill in the required details for each participant, making sure all information is accurate and complete.
Payment: Complete your booking by making a payment using your credit card or debit card.

On our booking platform, you’ll also find optional extras, including Huayna Picchu Mountain, Machu Picchu Mountain, and the Vistadome train. We recommend booking these options alongside your 3-day Inca Trail trek as permits for these extras can be limited and sell out quickly. Additionally, if you need trekking poles, you can rent them in Cusco one day before your trek.

Once we secure your Inca Trail permits, we will send you a confirmation to ensure everything is well-organized. Rest assured that all confirmed start dates are guaranteed.

Faqs

What is the Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail is a historic hiking route in Peru that leads to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. The trail combines stunning Andean scenery, cloud forests, and a mix of Inca ruins, offering a unique journey through history.

What is the length of the Inca Trail?

The classic Inca Trail is approximately 42 kilometers (26 miles) and usually takes four days to complete. There are also shorter versions, like the 2-day Inca Trail, designed for those with less time.

Can I hike the Inca Trail alone?

No, solo hiking is not permitted on the Inca Trail. Due to regulations, you must join an authorized tour group with licensed guides and porters to ensure safety and preservation of the trail.

Do I need a guide for the Inca Trail?

Yes, hiring a guide is mandatory. All hikers must be part of a tour with a licensed operator. Guides are essential for navigating the route and ensuring compliance with local regulations.

How much does it cost to hike the Inca Trail?

Costs vary depending on the tour operator and the length of the trek, but generally, prices range from $600 to $1,000 USD per person for the classic 4-day Inca Trail. Shorter or luxury options can have different prices.

Price

Offer

680 USD

3 days - 2 nights

Book at once, pay a deposit and complete later.